The name Syllors began among the descendants of an ancient Scottish tribe called the Picts. It was a name for a merchant, someone who worked in cellars, and a saddler. Syllors is an occupational surname, which belongs to the category of hereditary surnames. Occupational surnames were derived from the primary activity of the bearer. In the Middle Ages, people did not generally live off of the fruits of their labor in a particular job. Rather, they performed a specialized task, as well as farming, for subsistence. Other occupational names were derived from an object associated with a particular activity. This type of surname is called a metonymic surname. This surname applies to a variety of occupations. In the case of a merchant, the surname Syllors derives from an ancient derivitave of the Old English word, sell(en), which means, to sell. It also comes from the Old English word, sellan, which means to hand over, or deliver. In the sense of a person who worked in cellars, Syllors is a metonymic occupational name, which comes from the Anglo Norman French word, celler. The cellars referred to in this example, would have been in mansions and other great houses. In the final case, that of a saddler, the surname Syllors comes from the Anglo Norman French word, seller, which is a derivative of the Latin word sellarius, which means seat, or saddle. This ancient occupation was extremely important in the Middle Ages, as horses were the primary mode of transportation.

Early Origins of the Syllors family

The surname Syllors was first found in Aberdeenshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Obar Dheathain), a historic county, and present day Council Area of Aberdeen, located in the Grampian region of northeastern Scotland, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Scotland to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the Syllors family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Syllors research.Another 147 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1281, 1482, 1630, 1698, 1671, 1646 and 1705 are included under the topic Early Syllors History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Syllors Spelling Variations

Translation has done much to alter the appearance of many Scottish names. It was a haphazard process that lacked a basic system of rules. Spelling variations were a common result of this process. Syllors has appeared Sellers, Sellars, Sellors and others.

Early Notables of the Syllors family (pre 1700)

Notable amongst the Clan at this time was Colin Sellars of Aberdeen; and John Seller (ca. 1630-1698), English hydrographer and compass maker who published the first sailing directions... Another 28 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Syllors Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Syllors family to Ireland

Some of the Syllors family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.Another 77 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Syllors family to the New World and Oceana

Many Scots left their country to travel to the North American colonies in search of the freedom they could not find at home. Of those who survived the difficult voyage, many found the freedom they so desired. There they could choose their own beliefs and allegiances. Some became United Empire Loyalists and others fought in the American War of Independence. The Clan societies and highland games that have sprung up in the last century have allowed many of these disparate Scots to recover their collective national identity. A search of immigration and passenger ship lists revealed many early settlers bearing the Syllors name: George Sellars settled in Philadelphia in 1854; Thomas Sellars arrived in Philadelphia in 1880; John Sellers arrived in Philadelphia in 1827; Thomas Sellers settled in Philadelphia in 1846.